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April's Affections and Intrigues: Love and Mystery Bloom


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Nancy Mehl | What is Mennonite-themed Romantic Suspense?

Combining the current trend of so-called “bonnet books” with suspense and mystery might seem risky. Most readers who love Amish or Mennonite-themed books are used to gentle romance. Mystery and suspense readers aren’t accustomed to characters that wear prayer coverings and ride in buggies. But I took a chance and combined the two in my Road to Kingdom series. The series includes: Inescapable, Unbreakable, and my brand new release, Unforeseeable. Unforeseeable really shatters the normal boundaries for this kind of fiction. Kingdom, a small Mennonite town in Kansas, is threatened by a serial killer!

Callie Hoffman, my main character, has a good life in Kingdom. She's engaged to Levi Housler, the new pastor of Kingdom Mennonite Church, and she spends her days working with Lizzie Housler, her friend and soon-to-be sister-in-law, at the town cafe. 

When a body is discovered on the road outside Kingdom and the deceased turns out to be the victim of a serial killer, the new county sheriff begins questioning Kingdom residents. Unsettled at the prospect of a killer in Kingdom, Callie is desperate to find answers for herself, especially when her own fiancé seems to know more about the murder than he's telling. 

As the town battles an entirely unforeseen danger and Callie's very life is threatened, the stakes are as high as they've ever been and the people of Kingdom must learn anew to put their trust in God alone.

Although some readers may wonder about this unlikely plot combination, in reality, setting malevolence against a background of innocence is the perfect way to illustrate the dichotomy of good versus evil. Of course, I still have to be careful that my Mennonite characters aren’t perfect. Having a faith background doesn’t mean people never have questions, problems, or demons they must battle. In fact, Callie has to deal with a troubled past she’s never faced, while still wondering if someone she knows, someone she trusts, might be a killer.

If you love bonnet books, I think you’ll enjoy this series. If you love mystery and suspense, you won’t be disappointed.

Nancy Mehl lives in Wichita, Kansas, with her husband Norman and her very active puggle, Watson. She’s authored fifteen books and is currently at work on a new series for Bethany House Publishing. The first book in her Road to Kingdom series, “Inescapable,” came out in July of 2012. The second book, “Unbreakable” released in February of 2013. The final book in the series, “Unforeseeable,” became available on September 1st.

Readers can learn more about Nancy through her Web site: www.nancymehl.com. She has a newsletter located at: www.nancymehl.blogspot.com, and is a part of another blog, The Suspense Sisters: www.suspensesisters.blogspot.com, along with several other popular suspense authors. She is also very active on Facebook.

Comment to win a signed copy of Unforeseeable.

 

 

Comments

61 comments posted.

Re: Nancy Mehl | What is Mennonite-themed Romantic Suspense?

This book sounds so intriguing and I am pulled into it just in the brief writings that Nancy has left us with. I would love to win a copy of Unforeseeable. Thank you for the chance!
(Melanie Backus 8:14am August 30, 2013)

The book sounds really interesting! I would love to have the chance to read it!
(Kathy Morrison 9:00am August 30, 2013)

Can't wait to read your new book. I have read the first two books
following Lizzie in her town of Kingdom. I love the suspense in your
novels because I just can't them down.
(Rebecca Bell 10:00am August 30, 2013)

I love to read mysteries in unusual settings or time periods, because we can learn so much while enjoying a good suspense or mystery read. I am sure this will be a splendid read. Dark Crossings was a suspense book about three Amish women, that was excellent.
(Clare O'Beara 10:03am August 30, 2013)

I can't wait to read the third book in this series! I love
Nancy's writing and how she gives twists and turns along the
way. I would love the opportunity to win this book!
(Vicki Marney 10:04am August 30, 2013)

I'm a recent fan of "bonnet books." I would like to win the contest for Nancy's book in order to discover a new author (to me). I've been an avid reader of romance since the mid -1960's, and I love to discover new books.
(Patricia Zell 10:18am August 30, 2013)

I love bonnet books. What a great concept!
(May Pau 10:30am August 30, 2013)

I've never read a bonnet book. Or at least I don't think I have. This looks really good.
(Cathy Thomas 10:35am August 30, 2013)

I love the idea and can't wait to read.
(Juna Homrighausen 10:47am August 30, 2013)

Another book to add to the book reading list.
(Charlotte Wills 10:52am August 30, 2013)

A post that captivated my interest and a wonderful book that
sounds memorable and special.
(Sharon Berger 10:55am August 30, 2013)

I loved reading your review and blog on this book. It sounds very inviting. May you have a blessed day.
(Joannah Cotta 11:35am August 30, 2013)

I truly love a good mystery and this sounds like one i would love to read
Debbie
(Debbie Rudder 11:37am August 30, 2013)

I love Christian fiction and can't wait to read this intriguing series of good versus evil! UNFORESEEABLE sounds spellbinding and I hope to win a copy!! Thank you for the opportunity.
(Britney Adams 12:03pm August 30, 2013)

Thank you for sharing with us.. I adore a good
mystery/thriller and I would be thrilled to win! Thank you
for this wonderful opportunity! Even if I don't win, I will
find and read Unforeseeable and any other of your books...:)
(Julianna Rowe 12:33pm August 30, 2013)

I have been addicted to your stories since I've read The
Harmony Series. I'm looking forward to reading
Unforseeable it sounds like a book I'm NOT going to be
able to put down... Thank You for the chance to win... either
way I'll be finding this book to read.
(Jaki Holcomb 12:52pm August 30, 2013)

Enjoyed your blog. Sounds likea a great read.
(Sheila True 12:58pm August 30, 2013)

I love Mysteries. Would love to win. Thanks for this opportunity to win your book.
(Gayle Pace 1:37pm August 30, 2013)

Sounds really intriguing - my kind of book!! Would love to win. Thank you.
(Diane Teunessen 3:16pm August 30, 2013)

Oh, I really want this book, thank you for the chance to win
it.

wfnren(at)aol(dot)com
(Wendy Newcomb 4:03pm August 30, 2013)

I enjoy mysteries and this series looks unique.
(Maureen Emmons 4:58pm August 30, 2013)

I haven't read any of your books, but I really want to read these in this series! Unforeseeable sounds like a great mystery and would be a captivating read. Thanks for sharing and for the chance to win it.
(Linda Luinstra 5:18pm August 30, 2013)

The book sounds like a great read, hope I win.
(Kathy Osborn 5:19pm August 30, 2013)

I really enjoy reading and this looks like a great book.
(Carol Edwards 5:21pm August 30, 2013)

Unforeseeable,what a great name, I truly would love to read this book.
(Bonnie Gonzales 5:56pm August 30, 2013)

This sounds like a very interesting book. I'm looking forward
to reading it.
(Amy Kincade 6:00pm August 30, 2013)

Wow, Congrats on your new book: UNFORESEEABLE. Yahoo, I am
from Kansas too. I grew up on Gunsmoke and lived 65 miles
from Dodge City, KS and boot hill. I looked for a Kingdom KS
but did not find one. Here are the Towns for Washington
County. Washington County is made up of twelve
cities/villages; Barnes, Clifton, Greenleaf, Haddam,
Hanover, Hollenberg, Linn, Mahaska, Morrowville, Palmer,
Vining, and Washington, which is the county seat. There are
twenty-five (25) townships in the 30 miles by 30 miles that
comprise the county. We have a nice town Kingman is a city
in and the county seat of Kingman County, Kansas located 45
miles west of Wichita, KS. Also, we have nice Amish people
in Haven, KS outside of Hutchinson, KS. Thanks for the great
Kansas book and I would truly love to win it and read it
this summer. Thank You very much. Cecilia CECE
(Cecilia Dunbar Hernandez 8:10pm August 30, 2013)

Oh Nancy I think it would be great to win one of these different kind of
Amish/Mennonite books. I like mysteries and suspense. Please enter me.
Maxie Anderson
(Maxie Anderson 8:12pm August 30, 2013)

I'm pretty sure I have read a few bonnet books but it has been awhile. I do love a good mystery and suspense stories.
(Kai Wong 8:13pm August 30, 2013)

Wow, thought you might like to see this too. There are
Cora's Cafes also.
cora's cafe santa monica cora's cafe & catering
cora's cafe tucson cora's cafe los angeles
cora's cafe castroville cora's cafe tucson az
cora's cafe ocean ave Thanks again. Cecilia CECE
(Cecilia Dunbar Hernandez 8:15pm August 30, 2013)

An interesting book to reflect on how we all react in different circumstances. Thanks.
(Marguerite Beal 8:30pm August 30, 2013)

OMG. Tying two genres together is genius, although my first thought is "Witness". But since I always loved that movie, I can't wait to read the book!
(Marcia Berbeza 10:17pm August 30, 2013)

Sounds like a compelling read. Hope I win a copy
(L Folstad 11:20pm August 30, 2013)

I love reading about the Mennonites, and having you "cross the line" a little, so to speak, is going to make reading this book a new pleasure to look forward to this Fall!! The story line sounds exciting, and I'm sure it'll turn out to be as hot inside as the cover!! Congratulations!!!
(Peggy Roberson 11:21pm August 30, 2013)

This sounds like a very good book and one that I would love to read!
(Betty Hamilton 11:24pm August 30, 2013)

I love 'bonnet' books, mysteries, suspense and I know I'll love your book/books. I look forward to reading one of your books. Thank you for this chance to win one and hope I do. God Bless You.
(Esther Somorai 11:53pm August 30, 2013)

I've never read any stories like this. Sounds interesting. Other people's religions are always fascinating. I like to know more about Mennonite's. I do know some about this religion. Only the basics. This is going to be a good read.
(Lucy Pinto 11:55pm August 30, 2013)

I love a good mystery. Thanks for a chance to win.
(Linda Hall 12:49pm August 31, 2013)

This sounds unlike any book I've ever read and I sure can't wait to read it.
Unforeseeable looks intriguiging to say the least. Thank you for giving us
an opportunity to win. Here's to many future sales.
(Val Pearson 1:42am August 31, 2013)

This sounds so good. Like one you couldn't put down. Love the cover.
(Sue Brandes 8:04am August 31, 2013)

I love all books about different ways of life and thought. This series sounds great and I will definitely look forward to reading it.
(Vennie Martinisi 10:22am August 31, 2013)

I liked the description that was given. She is a "new to me" author that I would like to get to know better by reading her works. It looks like I've got more books on my to-be-read pile.
(Sandy Kenny 10:23am August 31, 2013)

I love mysteries. This sounds great.
(Pam Howell 11:18am August 31, 2013)

Thanks for the chance to win!
(Courteney Moore 12:03pm August 31, 2013)

The description has me hooked. Now I have to find the first two in this series and read them first, though. Thanks for the giveaway!
(Ellie Wright 1:07pm August 31, 2013)

looks like a good read!! keep up the writing! thanks for the chance to win! jackie morris
(Jackie Morris 1:36pm August 31, 2013)

i am so excited to read this thank you so much for the chance
to win this book
(Denise Smith 5:44pm August 31, 2013)

Christian Romance and mystery sounds like a great book. The description drew me quickly into the story. Can't wait to read!!
(LeAnn Knott 11:39pm August 31, 2013)

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(Thomas Thinner 11:53pm August 31, 2013)

I love mysteries. This book sounds great.
(Kathleen Yohanna 12:01pm September 1, 2013)

I was drawn to the book you wrote, Mrs. Mehl, as soon as I
started reading the preview you provided us with. It is
already captivating. Thank you for providing us with the
excerpt, and your own presentation. It is authentic, and I
love the Faith, (my Faith of God). Suspense, muder, love,
mystery... wow. And I can tell you that, just after
finishing my comment, I am going to you website.
Thank you again,
Judih
(Judith Venne 1:23am September 1, 2013)

I love how you have combined elements I love to read.
(Mary Preston 7:50am September 1, 2013)

Your review sounds great and can't wait to read this book.
(Bonnie Capuano 9:01am September 1, 2013)

I love how you combined suspense within the Mennonite community!
(Sheri Pruitt 10:52am September 1, 2013)

This book sounds very good, I think I will enjoy it.
(Lillian Baber 11:17am September 1, 2013)

kind of like historical romance only cultural/religious themed
(Debbi Shaw 1:43pm September 1, 2013)

Romance, mystery, suspense! That's the right combination for me.
(Anna Speed 3:50pm September 1, 2013)

Looking forward to this book. It sounds fascinating.
(Katherine Kavouris 7:49pm September 1, 2013)

sounds good to read i would love to read this
(Ann Unger 8:52pm September 1, 2013)

Mennonite-themed Romantic Suspense combines mystery, romance & suspense in an Amish or Mennonite setting and is a genre I have not yet explored. Your books seem interesting and I will put them on my must read list.
(Lori Ringel 10:05pm September 1, 2013)

Oooaahh! This book sounds so fascinating! I love the suspense you have
added to the Amish/Mennonite setting. We see their world as a perfect,
peaceful place. Now you give us, adventure, mystery, romance along with
suspense all wrapped up in a unique setting! I love it! Please pick me!
(Lisa Glidewell 2:57am September 5, 2013)

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